Control for outboard motors



June 1954 H. w. JACO BSEN ET AL cdNTRoL FOR OUTBOARD MOTORS Filed Sept.3, 1949 3, l9 INVENTORS ATTORNEYS Z5 30 Henry W Jowobsen BettaSchweitzer 5am r- 2w Patented June 1, 1954 CONTROL FOR OUTBOARD MOTORSHenry W. J acobsen, Cleveland Heights, and Otto C. Schweitzer,Cleveland, Ohio Application September 3, 1949, Serial No. 113,964

11 Claims.

This invention relates to control devices for outboard motors and moreparticularly to devices for remotely controlling both the speed and thesteerage of conventional outboard motors.

In the operation of a small boat equipped with an outboard motor on thestern or transom, it is frequently desirable for the operator to bepositioned ahead of the rear seat. Of the numerous makes and models ofoutboard motors in use and available on the market, most are so designedand constructed as to require the operator to be positioned relativelyclose to the motor. This arrangement results in the concentration ofweight in the rear, undesirable from the point of view both of safetyand of efficiency, as well as comfort.

Devices previously proposed for remotely controlling outboard motorshave been objectionable because of their complicated character, theirexcessive cost or the necessity of modification of the motor. Someoutboard motors are originally designed or equipped with steering andspeed controlling arms sufiiciently long to permit the operator to takea position ahead of the rear seat of the boat. Remote control equipmentof such character is, however, of use only with the particular motor forwhich it is designed and is not adaptable to existing motors and motorsof other makes.

It is therefore one of the principal objects of I the present inventionto provide a simple and inexpensive remote control device adapted forquick and easy attachment to conventional outboard motors withoutmodification or disassembly of such motors. More specifically, theinvention aims to provide a generally improved remote control devicethat can be attached to conventional outboard boat motors of the typethat are turned bodily about an upright axis to angle the propeller insteering or guiding the boat and that have a movable speed governinglever for regulating either the carburization or ignition timing, orboth the carburization and the ignition timing. One aspect of theinvention is concerned with the provision of a relatively long controlhandle that reduces the effort required of the operator and minimizesstrain and fatigue.

Another object is to provide, in a dual control wherein both speed andsteerage are controlled by a single extension arm, a rotative controlelement remotely actuated in combination with a linkage between therotative control element and the speed governing lever of the motor, thelinkage being arranged and connected to limit the rotative movement ofthe control element so that rotation of the extension arm, required forspeed of the motor.

regulation, is restricted to a relatively small anularity. Thisarrangement permits the extension arm to be pivotally connected at themotor end for up and down swinging action to suit the convenience of theoperator.

A further object is to provide a remote control device for conventionaloutboard motors which incorporates both speed governing and steeringfeatures and is readily attached to and removed from conventional motorsWithout special tools or equipment and without modification,disassembly, or re-arrangement of the parts of the conventional motor.

As a preferential arrangement, the device of the present inventionincludes a bracket member adapted for rigid attachment to the outboardmotor as by clamping on the tiller or steering arm of the motor. Thebracket member mounts a control element 'rotative about its own axis andconnected by linkage to the speed governing lever Remote control of bothsteerage and speed is efiected by an extension arm swingably connectedat one end to the control element as by a pin and clevis. The extensionarm, while being movable up and down about an axis transverse to therotative axis of the control element to suit the convenience of theoperator and to facilitate 180 turning of the motor for reverseoperation, is entirely effective to monitor the motor when movedlaterally or from side to side for steering control.

Other objects and advantages relate to certain combinations andarrangements of parts which obtain simplicity in design, economy inmanufacture, and efficiency in operation and are apparent in thefollowing detailed description of the invention. This description ismade in connection with the accompanying drawings incorporated hereinand forming a part of the specification. Like parts throughout theseveral views are indicated by the same letters and numerals ofreference.

In the drawings: I

Figure 1 is a fragmentary perspective view, partly diagrammatic, showinga remote control device incorporating the principles of the presentinvention, the device being attached to a conventional outboard motormounted on the stern or rear transom of a small fiat bottomed boat;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary side elevational view, partly in section andwith parts broken away and removed, showing the boat, motor, and controldevice of Fig. 1 and enlarged with respect to that figure;

Fig. 3 is an elevational .view, partly in section,

with parts removed and partly diagrammatic,

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary top plan view, partly diagrammatic, showing theconnection of the speed governing linkage to the speed lever of themotor and the parts in different positions and limits of movement;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary plan view of the control element and relatedparts, with parts broken away and removed, this view being takensubstantially on the line indicated at 55 of Fig. 2 and enlarged withrespect to that figure.

The illustrated remote speed and steerage con trol device incorporatingthe principles of the present invention is shown as an attachment to aconventional outboard motor M mounted on stern or rear transom l of afiat bottom boat B. The motor assembly includes a sheet metal casing 2and an upright drive shaft (not shown) enclosed in an elongated tubethat extends through a fixed support and guide sleeve 3 of a bracketadjustably pivotedon a horizontal pin 4 carried by a clamp 5 which gripsthe boat transom I. The fuel tank for the motor is incorporated in thecasing 2 and the speed of the motor is governed by a movable lever Sthat projects through a horizontal arcuate slot 1 in the motor casing.The specific construction of the motor forms no part of the presentinvention and the motor components illustrated are merely representativeof a number of commercial designs currently available and with which thepresent remote control can be used.

The speed governing lever B swings about an upright axis which may bethe axis of the main drive shaft of 'the motor, the upper end of suchshaft having a screw or cap 3. The lever 6 is conventionally connectedto a speed governor such as a shiftable magneto assembly (not shown) sothat shifting of the lever from left to right, as viewed in Figs. 1 and3 effects speed increase of the motor. Reverse movement of the lever B,to the left as viewed in the same figures, reduces motor speed.

The entire motor casing 2, with the motor components enclosed therein,are bodily turnable about the upright axis of the main drive shaft whichis coaxial to the guide sleeve 3. This turning action of the motoreffects a like turning or angling of the propeller (not shown) so as toeffect steering of the boat. The propeller is secured on a horizontalshort shaft journaled in the lower end of housing 9. The main verticaldrive shaft is also journaled in the housing 9 and connects thecrankshaft of the motor to the short propeller shaft. The housing 9turns with the motor casing 2, being connected thereto as by a tube thatencloses the upright main drive shaft and is rotatable in the sleeve 3.The motor is conventionally supplied with a steering arm or tillerhandle that includes a portion l rigidly secured to one side of thecasing 2 or to the motor frame so that the operator, sitting on sternseat H, can turn the motor from side to side about its upright axis bymanipulation of the tiller arm. The tiller arm may also include an endor extension portion i2 swingable up and down as on a horizontal pivotpin M carried in the end of the rigidly attached portion H3.

The present remote control device or extension attachment is an easilyapplied and removed unit that includes a bracket member which is rigidlysecured to the motor M, this bracket member serving as a support for themovable components of the device. Although this bracket member may beclamped or bolted to the motor frame, it is a feature of the inventionthat the bracket member is made for facile attachment to the tiller armof the motor, preferably having a portion in the form of a clampreceivable in embracing relation about the motor tiller arm Hi. Thebracket, preferably of cast or forged metal, is formed at one end with achannel portion I6 of inverted U-shape end section, the tiller arm beingreceived in the channel and clamped or retained in place as by a metalplate i! secured to the bracket by cap screws I8.

The other end of the bracket member 15, remote from the channel portionI8, is formed with a tubular journal [9 that receives spindle or pin 20of an elongated control element 2-l. The control element is thus mountedfor rotative movement about its own axis in laterally offset relationwith respect to the longitudinal axis of the tiller arm !0.

Extending as a continuation of the control element 2|, and so as to bein a position convenient to an operator on beam seat 22 of the boat B,is an elongated arm or element 24, the control element 2| and theextension element 24 com prising a jointed extension handle. The jointbetween these components of the extension handle is in the form of anelongated clevis connection. Prongs 25 of the bifurcated clevis arepreferably formed on the control element 2| and a reduced or rectangularsectioned end portion 26 of the extension handle 24 is snugly receivedbetween the prongs 25. A shouldered thumb screw 2'! extends freelythrough one of the clevis prongs 25 and the handle portion 26 and isthreaded into the other prong 25 to serve as a pivot and to clamp theportion 26 between the clevis prongs. The axis of the thumb screw isgenerally horizontal so that, within the range of customary controlmovements, the swinging of the extension handle element 24 in the clevisjoint is generally up and down. By tightening the thumb screw 21 theclevis prongs 25, which are formed of resilient metal, are clampedtightly against the sides of the reduced end portion 25 of the extensionto retain the latter in any desired position of angularity with respectto the rotative control element 2|.

Horizontal side to side movement of the extension handle 24 istransmitted through the control element 2! and the bracket member [5 tothe tiller arm [8 of the motor, causing the motor to turn in thesupporting sleeve 3 and thereby angling the motor propeller in thechosen direction to effect desired steering of the craft. The grippingof the axially elongated portion 26 of the extension arm 24 (the latterpreferably being formed of a tough strong wood such as oak, hickory orash) by the elongated clevis prongs 25 resists relative turning of onepart with respect to the other, thus eliminating play and backlash inthe steering control and supporting the arm 24 in any desired positionof adjustment.

In the present device the throttle lever B is shifted by turning ortwisting the control element 2| about its own axis, this rotativemovement being effected remotely through the wooden extension element 24which is fitted at its outer end with a cross pin 23.

Th control element is connected by linkage to the throttle lever so thatthe operator, by manipulation of the handle element 24, remotelycontrols both speed and direction of the craft. Extending laterally fromthe body portion of the control element 2| is a throttle actuating lever30, this lever being attached to th control element for movementtherewith and so as to swin over an arcuate path during rotativemovement of the element. In the illustrated arrangement, the lever is acircular metal rod received through a bore in the control element 2| andheld against axial displacement as by cotter pins 29 which bear againstthe control element 2|. The upper end of the lever 30 is split orbifurcated to receive one end of a metal link bar 3| retained as by apin 32. The other end of the link is secured by removable bolt or pin 34in the split or clevis end of a clamping element or fitting 33 securedon the movable throttle control lever B. The swinging lever turns aboutits axis to permit lateral swinging of the link 3| as th latter isshifted longitudinally in operating the speed control lever 6 of themotor. This turning of the lever 38 permits the link 3| to follow thecurved path of the speed control lever without distortion or excessivestrain of the parts.

The clamping element is formed with a through aperture 35 that isreceived over the end of the speed lever 6. A thumb screw 36 threadedthrough the Wall of the clamping element and engageable against thespeed lever retains the clamping element in place.

The aperture 35 for receiving the speed lever B is of triangular shapein the illustrative embodiment of the invention, apertures of othershapes also being employed, when desired, to accommodate the varioustypes and shapes of speed levers encountered in the field.

Movement of the speed regulating lever B from side to side governs thmotor speed by advancing or retarding the spark, by increasing ordecreasing the fuel supply to the cylinders, or by both changing thespark and the fuel supply.

This regulation of the motor is normally eifected l by manually swingingor moving the speed lever 6 over a path limited by the structure of themotor. The range of the speed lever movement is indicated in Figs. 3 and4 wherein the left hand broken lines of Fig. 3 and the uppermost brokenlines of Fig. 4 illustrate a stopping or inactive position of the speedlever in which the ignition is shorted and operation of the motor isprevented. The right hand broken lines of Fig. 3 and the lower brokenlines of Fig. 4 illustrate high speed position of the regulating lever Bin which the spark is advanced and the fuel supply to the cylinders ismaximum. In both of the figures referred to, the solid lines indicatethe starting or low speed position of the control lever 6 in which thespark is relatively retarded and the fuel supply to the cylinders is ata minimum.

Shifting of the speed lever 6 from one limit of movement to the otherinvolves a relatively small rotative movement of the control element 2|,such movement being of the order of about 90 or less, as illustrated bythe broken line positions of the lever 3!) in Fig. 3. Rotative movementof the control element 2| in excess of about to about is objectionablefor the reason that in the extreme positions, the effectiveness of thesteering action through the clevis joint connecting the extension arm 24to the control element 2| is impaired. In the present device therotative movement of the control element 2| is limited by the linkageconnecting it to the speed lever i. This linkage prevents inadvertenttwisting or rotating of the extension handle beyond the limits withinwhich steerage is effectively maintained through the clevis jointbetween the extension handle elements 2| and 24. Increasing the lengthof the actuating lever 30 has the efiect of reducing the permittedrotative movement of the control element 2|, while shortening the leverincreases such movement. An arrangement in which th efiective length ofthe actuating lever 3|] is substanitally equal to the projected lengthof the path of that point of the speed lever 6 to which the clampingelement 33 is secured, over the operating range of the speed lever,satisfactorily limits the rotative move-ment of the control element.

Although the control element 2| may be arranged to rotate about an axisparalleling the longitudinal axis of the tiller arm II], it ispreferable to incline the control element axis upwardly so that, asshown in Fig. 2, the element 24 of the extension handle, when alignedwith the turning axis of the control element, extends upwardly and awayfrom its point of attachment to the motor. The inclination of therotative axis of the control element relative to the axis of the tillerarm Iii, permits a relatively wider range of up and down swingingmovement of the extension arm or element 24 in adjusting the remotecontrol to suit different operators.

Some motors are so constructed that they may be turned in the sleeve 3of the supporting bracket through 360, this complete turning permittingbacking of the craft to which the'motor is attached. For such a maneuverthe extension element or handle 24 of the present invention is shiftedto an upright position such as illustrated by the broken lines of Figs.1 and 2. With the extension arm in this upright position, the motor canbe readily turned or swung through 180 for reversing the craft, theupper end of the handle being conveniently positioned above the top ofthe motor for grasping by the operator who thus retains steerage controlwhile reversing.

The present remote control device comprises a simple and inexpensiveunit of few parts. This unit is quickly and easily attached to orremoved from several makes and models of conventional outboard motorswithout the use of special tools and without modifying or altering themotor to which it is attached. The greater length of the extensionhandle element 24 as compared to the relatively short tiller arm orhandle |0|2 of the standard or conventional motor, reduces operatorfatigue, particularly on long runs, and permits the operator to steerthe craft by conventional angling of the propeller while the operator ispositioned in the craft ahead of the rear seat The device not onlyprovides steerage controlbut also maintains positive control over thespeed through the linkage connection comprising the lever element 30 andthe link element 3|.

In the event of a sudden tilting forward of the motor M about its pivotsupport 4, such as might occur upon striking an underwater obstacle, theextension arm 24 swings about the pivot pin or screw 21 in the clevisconnection, thereby avoiding both injury to the operator and damage tothe motor. The offset arrangement of the auxiliary or extension handleelements 2| and 24 with respect to the standard tiller arm l0 and handleI2 permit operation of the craft in the usual manner from the rear seatI, if desired, as in an emergency or when starting.

In accordance with the patent statutes the principles of the presentinvention may be utilized .in various ways, numerous modifications andalterations being contemplated, substitution of pa'rts'an'd changes inconstruction being resorted to as desired, it being understood that thedevice shown in the drawings and described above is given merely forpurposes of explanation and illustration without intending to limit thescope of the. claims to the specific details disclosed.

What We. claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the UnitedStates is:

1. A remote control attachment for an outboard motor that has: ashiftable speed governing lever movable over a limited arcuate path anda tiller arm and that steers by bodily turning about an upright axis,said attachment comprising a demountable bracket member and means forsecuring the same rigidly to the tiller arm of the motor for facileremoval and replacement, a control element carried by the bracket memberfor relative rotative movement about a generally horizontal axis, meansincluding a link and a lever on the control element connecting thecontrol element to the speed lever of the motor to shift such lever inresponse to rotative movement of the control element and to limit suchrotative movement, and an extension arm pivotally connected to thecontrol element for swinging movement about an axis transverse to therotative axis of the element, the swinging movement of the extension armpermitting the latter to be raised and lowered while side to sidemovement of the extension arm turns the motor to steer the latter androtative movement of the extension arm acts to rotate the controlelement and efiect shifting of the speed lever.

2. A remote control attachment for an outboard motor that has ashiftable speed governing lever and a tiller arm and that steers bybodily turning about an upright axis, said attachment comprising ademountable bracket member and means for securing the same rigidly tothe tiller arm of the motor for facile removal and replacement, anelongated control element mounted on the bracket member in laterallyofiset relation to the axis of the tiller arm for relative rotativemovement about its own longitudinal axis, means connecting the controlelement to the speed lever of the motor to shift such lever in responseto 1'0- tative movement of the control element about the longitudinalaxis of the latter, and an extension arm pivotally connected to the.control element turning about an upright axis, said attachmentcomprising a demountable bracket member and means for securing the samerigidly to the tiller arm of the motor for facile removalandreplacement, a control element carried by the bracket member forrelative rotative movement about a generally horizontal axis, a leversecured to and extending laterally from the control element for arcuateswinging movement upon rotative movement of the control element, linkmeans connecting the swingable lever to the speed lever for actuatingthe latter in response to rotative move- I-nent of the control element,and an extension pivotally connected to the control element for swingingmovement about an axis transverse to the rotative axis of the element,the swinging movement of the extension arm permitting the latter to beraised and lowered while side to side movement of the extension armturns the motor to steer the latter and rotative movement of theextension arm acts to rotate the control element and efiect shifting ofthe speed lever.

4. A remote control attachment for an outboard motor that has ashiftable speed governing lever and a tiller arm and that steers bybodily turning about an upright axis, said attachment comprising ademountable bracket member and means for securing the same rigidly tothe tiller arm of the motor for facile removal and replacement, anelongated control element mounted on the bracket member for relativerotative movement about its own longitudinal axis, mechanism operated bythe rotative movement of the control element for actuating the speedlever, and an extension arm pin-connected at one end to the controlelement, said pin connection effecting rotative movement of the controlelement in unison with rotative movement imparted to the extension armand limiting relative swinging movement between the control element andthe extension arm to a single plane thereby permitting the extension armto swing up and down while monitoring steerage of the motor through thecontrol element and the bracket member.

5. A remote control control attachment for an outboard motor that has ashiftable speed governing lever and a tiller arm and that steers bybodily turning about an upright axis, said attachment comprising ademountable bracket member and means for securing the same rigidly tothe tiller arm of the motor for facile removal and replacement, acontrol element mounted on the bracket member for relative rotativemovement about its own axis, mechanism'operated by the rotative movementof the control element for actuating the speed lever, and an extensionarm connected at one end to the control element for relative swingingmovement about an axis transverse to the rotative axis of the controlelement, said connection comprising a pin and clevis' effecting rotativemovement of the control element and the extension arm in unison andlimiting relative swinging movement of such element and arm to a singleplane.

6. A control for an outboard motor having a speed governing levermovable over a limited path, said control comprising a bracket memberand means for rigidly securing the same to the motor to turn in unisontherewith, a control element carried by said member for rotativemovement about an axis generally paralleling the thrust axis of themotor, a lever secured to and extending laterally from the controlelement for arcuate swinging movement upon rotative movement of thecontrol element, link means for connecting the swingable lever to andsolely supported by the motor speed lever for actuating the latter inresponse to rotative movement of the control element and swingingmovement of the swingable lever and for limiting the movement of theswingable lever an the control element, and an extension arm pivotallyconnected to the control element for swinging movement solely in asingle plane relative to the control element about an axis transverse tothe rotative axis of the element, said rotative axis being in theswinging movement plane of the control element, the swinging-movement ofthe extension arm permitaeven'ce 9 ting the latter to be raised andlowered while side to side movement of the extension arm turns the motorto steer the latter and rotative movement of the exension arm acts torotate the control element and eiTect shifting of the speed lever.

7. A control for an outboard motor of the type that has a movable speedregulating lever and that is turned bodily for steering, said controlcomprising a bracket member and means rigidly attaching such member tothe motor for bodily movement together, a control element carried by thebracket member for relative rotative movement solely in a single planerelative to the control element, an extension arm and pivot meanssecuring said arm at one end to the control element to rotate therewithabout the rotative axis of such element and to swing in but a singleplane relative to the control element, the extension arm being whollysupported by the control element whereby the extension arm is operativein difierent positions in said plane to effect bodily turning of themotor, said rotative axis being in the swinging movement plane of thecontrol element, and means connecting the control element to the speedlever for shifting of such lever in response to rotative movement of thecontrol element and extension arm.

8. A remote control attachment for use in combination with a variablespeed outboard motor turnable about an upright axis for steering andhaving a relatively shiftable speed governing member and a rigid tillermember, said attachment comprising a bracket member and means forsecuring the bracket member rigidly to the tiller member of the motorfor facile removal and replacement, a control element wholly supportedon the bracket member for relative rotation, a lever on the controlelement and rotatable therewith, link means for connecting the lever tothe speed governing member of the motor, and an elongated extension armsolely supported by and pivotally connected to the control element forrelative swinging movement about a single axis transverse to therotational axis of the control element to locate the extension arm indifierent angular positions relative to the control element.

9. A remote control attachment for use in combination with a variablespeed outboard motor turnable about an upright axis for steering andhaving a relatively shiftable speed governing member and a rigid tillermember, said attachment comprising a bracket member and means forsecuring the bracket member rigidly to the tiller member of the motorfor facile removal and replacement, a control element, said element andsaid bracket member being formed one with a tubular journal and one witha spindle disposed in the journal whereby the control element is whollysupported on the bracket member for relative rotation, a lever on thecontrol element and rotatable therewith, link means for connecting thelever to the speed governing member of the motor, and an elongatedextension arm solely supported by and pivotally connected to the controlelement for relative swinging movement about a single axis transverse tothe rotational axis of the control element to locate the extension armin different angular positions relative to the control element.

10. A remote control attachment for use in combination with a variablespeed outboard motor turnable about an upright axis for steering andhaving a relatively shiftable speed governing member and a rigid tillermember, said attachment comprising a bracket member and means forsecuring the bracket member rigidly to the tiller member of the motorfor facile removal and replacement, a control element wholly supportedon the bracket member for relative rotation about a substantiallyhorizontal axis generally paralleling the thrust axis of the motor,lever means carried by the control element, means connecting the levermeans to the speed governing member of the motor for actuation of thelatter in response to rotative movement of the control element, and anelongated extension arm solely connected to the control element forrelative swinging movement about a single axis transverse to therotational axis of the control element, the swing axis of the extensionarm being rotatable with the control element between a normal generallyhorizontal position and displaced positions in which the swin axis isoblique to the horizontal.

ll. A remote control attachment for use in combination with a Variablespeed outboard motor turnable about an upright axis for steering andhaving a relatively shiftable speed governing member and a rigid tillermember, said attachent comprising a bracket member and means forsecuring the bracket member rigidly to the tiller member of the motorfor facile removal and replacement, a control element wholly supportedon the bracket member for relative rotation about a substantiallyhorizontal axis generally paralleling the thrust axis of the motor,lever means carried by the control element, means connecting the levermeans to the speed governin member of the motor for actuation of thelatter in response to rotative movement of the control element, anelongated extension arm solely connected to the control element forrelative swinging movement about a single axis transverse to therotational axis of the control element, the swing axis of the extensionarm being rotatable with the control element between a normal generallyhorizontal position and displaced positions in which the swing axis isoblique to the horizontal, said extension arm being swingable in thenormal position of the swing axis to an upright position in which thelongitudinal axis of the arm is substantially vertical.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS NumberName Date 1,479,925 Caille et a1. Jan. 1, 1924 1,553,183 Mould Sept. 8,1925 1,798,724. Chalmers Mar. 21, 1931 1,804,442 Smith May 12, 19311,825,240 Miller Sept. 29, 1931 1,843,272 Evinrude Feb. 2, 19321,861,511 Russell June 7, 1932 1,932,521 Irgens Oct. 31, 1933 2,460,374Walls Feb. 1, 1949 2,526,946 Hawkins Oct. 24, 1950 2,528,628 WhitneyNov. 7, 1950 2,543,490 England Feb. 27, 1951

